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School board pauses work session after presentation on Black student achievement
Summary
Charlottesville City Schools leaders presented data showing an 11.3% drop in Black student enrollment since 2022 and mixed assessment results; after two hours of discussion the board voted to pause the presentation and schedule a longer follow‑up meeting.
The Charlottesville City Schools board paused its March 11 work session after a wide‑ranging presentation on Black student achievement and enrollment. Superintendent‑level staff reported Black student enrollment fell from 1,256 in 2022–23 to 1,114 as of Jan. 30, 2026 — a decline of about 142 students, or roughly 11.3% — a larger drop than the divisionwide 3% decline.
Doctor Gurley opened the session, saying, "This evening's work session will focus on the achievement of our black students," and framed the discussion around the division's five‑year strategic plan and recent work begun in June 2025 to identify missing instructional systems. Instructional leaders walked the board through multiple assessments — VKRP, DIBELS, MAP and last year's SOL results — and school‑level supports including school support plans and the EduCLIMBER tracking system.
School staff highlighted early‑childhood readiness gains: on the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program screen, the literacy measure for Black students rose from 52% in a low/moderate‑risk band to 73% this year; staff credited VPI‑funded preschool experiences and intensified early literacy efforts. At the same time, staff acknowledged higher SOL cut scores and testified that some gaps are longstanding. "When black students start making progress, the check the tests change," Doctor Gurley said, while also pointing to targeted work to address foundational skills and continuity across grade transitions.
Principals described classroom and school practices designed to support Black students. Tall Oaks principal Miss Mickens said the school is emphasizing student talk and targeted mentoring; Walker's leadership reported a six‑grade 'Snapshots' program focused on comprehension that had 48 of 51 participating students meet or exceed midyear goals.
The board discussed CTE and high‑school access to advanced coursework: presenters said Black students make up about 26% of CTE enrollment but AP and dual‑enrollment (DE) participation at Charlottesville High School has dropped (staff reported a 22% decline in Black AP/DE enrollment at the high school since 2022–23). District leaders said they are expanding career pathways and recruiting more Black students into KTEC programs and AP/DE options.
With a number of board members asking for more time and a deeper policy discussion, one member moved to table the remainder of the presentation for a later, mutually agreeable date; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote. The board agreed to poll members for possible extended or weekend meeting time to continue the topic. The public comment period included at least one speaker urging attention to assessment content and historical trends. The board said it will follow up with a scheduled continuation of the work session and indicated materials such as school support plans will be posted online once approved.
The board's next regularly scheduled meeting was noted as March 31; staff and board leadership said they will arrange a separate, longer session dedicated to continuing the achievement discussion.
